You’ve probably heard the word biosecurity referencing animal health, but many still ask what exactly is it?

Basically, biosecurity protects our food system from disasters — both natural and manmade — and is how we prevent diseases from being transferred to people, animals, and properties. The goal of biosecurity is to keep diseases off farms and/or prevent them from spreading farther.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) runs many agricultural biosecurity programs — which include monitoring and controlling viruses, bacteria, funguses, parasites, and other organisms and contaminants. Through these programs, NIFA helps to detect animal diseases, performs research to guide legislation, and provides support to farmers.

There are many additional state, national and international organizations working to advance biosecurity on a large scale by providing research, resources and guidelines to help farmers keep their animals healthy.

Biosecurity is an important part of agriculture today. Biosecurity measures improve animal welfare, sustainability, and profitability all while protecting our food system and keeping people, animals and plants safe from diseases. You can be sure that agriculture is working to keep you, animals and our food system safe.

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